Finley making progress
By Greg A. Bedard of the Journal Sentinel
Oct. 31, 2009
Green Bay -- Packers tight end Jermichael Finley had a very encouraging workout Saturday and has yet to be ruled out of the game Sunday against the MInnesota Vikings, a source familiar with the situation said Saturday.
Finley, who injured his knee against Cleveland last Sunday, did not practice all week and was listed as doubtful on the injury report Friday. However, coach Mike McCarthy said early in the week that Finley would undergo rehab on the knee throughout the practice week and then tested Saturday and Sunday to see if he could play.
The next test for Finley is to see how the knee reacts to the Saturday workout. If he wakes up with soreness or swelling, it's unlikely the Packers will take a chance on using him. He would have to show them before game time that he could function without too much discomfort and with some kind of burst before getting the go-ahead.
Finley was a playmaker in the first meeting with the Vikings and the McCarthy would like to use him in certain packages, even if it's on a limited bases. Finley is highlighted in some of those packages and his presence would increase McCarthy's offensive options Sunday.
In listing Finley as doubtful, the Packers were saying there is only a 25% chance that he wouldl play. It's fairly uncommon for players listed as doubtful to play, but it has happened before. The decision on Finley will come down to how much of a risk it would be to put him on the field vs. how much he can add in a critical division game.
